Elderly Care Volunteer Program in Zambia - Livingstone

Volunteering with elders at my placement was gratifying and, in many aspects, transformational. I developed close connections with both the elders and the staff. Three weeks was enough time to assess how I might best help for an impact beyond my volunteer time. Most elders either had no shoes or deteriorating canvas shoes. With the assistance of one of the volunteers, I determined shoe sizes and bought shoes for all that resembled Crocs at the open market across the street. It was an experience that will forever remain in my heart.

As to accommodations, the house was amazing! The friendly staff, quality meals, camaraderie with fellow volunteers, and exceptional access to adventures such as the Botswana safari, Victoria Falls, and swimming at Devil's Pool made this a trip of a lifetime.

The drought in Zambia impacted all aspects of life at Sunbird, including minimal electricity (often only 3 - 6 hours per day). There were also times that the water was intermittent, but the local team were committed to addressing both: with electricity, they invested in solar power, and regarding water, they had a generator to pump the water to the house. Given it was quite hot, the rooms were quite warm when sleeping. I was grateful I had brought a small battery-operated fan!

My advice: in addition to your mosquito net, bring repellent (i.e., Murphy's); a small battery-operated fan for your room; a battery power pack for recharging devices; a water bottle; laundry hand washing detergent packets; a flashlight or solar lantern.

The experience to Zambia allowed several different opportunities to volunteer at the local level and give back with a hands-on approach, all while being able to explore and experience the local culture. Great local team, excellent accommodation support, lodging and food. Highly recommend.

One day at my placement, I was sitting with a resident whom I had developed a great friendship with and we were listening to music and telling stories together. In that moment I felt the beauty of humanity as someone who was different from me in too many ways to count could become such a great friend. The experience overall made me realize that people all around the world can connect regardless of their differences. I learned to overcome my anxieties. I am now less shy and more brave than I ever was before, and I truly feel that I can do anything I want.

Seeing the smiles of the elderlies at the old people’s home and the smiles and laughter of the kids that we played football with daily was something I have never experienced before. That feeling was extremely priceless. On my last day of placement, I said goodbye to the elderlies when they hugged and kissed me before sending me off at the gate of the home. I cried. That was when I know, I’ve made the right decision to volunteer. Also, together with the other volunteers, we would always play football every single day at 5pm with the kids living in the area of where our lodge is. On my last day, I went to their houses individually to say goodbye. Not only the kids, but some of the kid’s parents came up to me, gave me a hug and thank me for spending time with their kids. Little did they know that, I should be thanking the kids instead for allowing me to spend the evening with them and giving me a perfect experience. I was hesitant about volunteering at first. But I told myself, if I keep hesitating, the time and the world will continue to move forward with or without me. Give yourself a chance to experience something out of the ordinary. It certainly exceeded my expectations and I’m sure, it will exceed yours too!

I spent 3 weeks with the local team In Livingstone working at my placement and experience was humbling, exhilarating and unforgettable. I went with an open mind and was prepared to help in anyway I could, you can not change the world in 3 weeks but you can make each day a little brighter for someone and I did. I got to see Zambia in a way I would never have seen it before and I loved every minute. Volunteering is the best way to have a holiday of a lifetime and help the community in a way you couldn’t as a tourist. Just do it, you won’t regret it!

My husband and I had a great volunteer experience at our Elderly Care placement in Livingstone. It was very challenging as these are individuals who don't have any family to care for them and have very little means. The staff and elderly people warmed up to us quickly and even though we only learned a handful of Nyanja, communication was not an issue. We shared many laughs and a few tears. We will miss the smiles and characters and hope to return some day. Our advice would be to future volunteers to keep an open mind and your heart will be filled to the brim before you leave.